Jets vs. Patriots Late-Game Theories Debunked and Other AFC East News

There are always a few plays that change the course of a game, serving to swing the momentum or give a team an extra opportunity where it may not have had one previously.

There were several controversial plays during the course of the 29-26 overtime thriller between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets.

No. 1: The Challenge Flag

The play in question here was a fumble by tight end Aaron Hernandez, recovered by the Jets for a touchback. As we all know, all turnovers are subject to booth review this year.

According to CBS play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz, though, head coach Bill Belichick was unaware and threw a challenge flag. Though the flag was never seen, and several reporters say they didn't see it either (h/t Greg Bedard), the crowd and sideline reacted as though one had been thrown.

If it had been thrown, Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post stated that the ball should have been awarded to the Jets.

Per @footballzebras, Hernandez’s fumble shouldn’t have even been reviewed b/c Belichick threw flag at illegal moment. Jets would have won.

Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty nearly fumbled away the game, but he chose the exact right moment to lose the ball. The Jets pounced on it with 2:01 remaining, allowing the Patriots to keep one of their timeouts.

There was some controversy as to whether the Patriots had been gifted with some convenient clock control from the scorekeeper, but per ManishMehta of the New York Daily News, though, that was not the case.

NFL did examine clock operator issue on kickoff with 2:06 left in regulation of Jets-Pats +found there was no improper handling of clock